Discernment
An important prayer
It is not that we no longer believe there is a human good, it is that we’ve convinced ourselves that our highest good is the fulfillment of our individual desires as the expression of our autonomy.
From Awake Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology by Noelle Mering Page 135
This is an excellent book and I encourage everyone to read it. It helps explain some of the totally nutty ideas resulting in the behavior prevalent in our society today. For example she explains how Critical Theory is the antithesis of critical thinking.
Critical thinking is the mental work of trying to understand reality as it is, not as I wish it would be.
Critical Theory is a set of dogma forced on people who do not wish to be cancelled in social media, at school, or in the workplace. It simply demands compliance to Marxist ideas in order to keep that paycheck or the mob from destroying your home or business.
Critical Theory, therefore, results in shallow survival thinking and requires people to accept living lives that, at their core, will not make sense. It will result in shallow abusive relationships because in this philosophy people are just objects to exploit. Of course the consolation prize for choosing to live this way is the opportunity to be a victim, and being a victim is both a useful weapon and sure fire excuse for not pursuing a better happier life. It is all stacked against the victim and someone, or many ones, will have to pay.
Last week at my church a young lady came forward to be prayed for as she is heading out to the mission field. She feels called to travel to the other side of the globe to use her talents and skills as a blessing in another culture.
When asked what she wished most the church would pray to God for on her behalf, she was able to distill it into one word, Discernment.
She wants God to give her the guidance and wisdom to know what to do, where to go, and what to say when it is time to speak. She wants Him to give her wisdom and critical thinking in order to love others well. At the same time, this request rejects the attitude of selfishness, that the world would revolve around her and that her life would be one centered on ease and pleasure.
Now let me make a prediction.
God will answer her prayer and fill her life with an abundance of good experiences and healthy relationships. It is impossible to out give God.
She appears to be heading into a life of sacrifice, but I believe it’s the doorway to Narnia.
Wonderful message. Thank you
Great post Ben. I agree that "Awake Not Woke" is very enlightening and a book that everyone should read!